Catalysts based on the heavier group 13 elements for the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide to three-membered saturated heterocycles

This chapter highlights important recent contributions in the application of heavier group 13 based catalysts (gallium and indium) for cycloaddition of three-membered saturated heterocycles (epoxides/aziridines) with carbon dioxide. These reactions are attractive routes towards valuable and useful cyclic carbonates and oxazolidinones. Compared to their aluminium counterparts, catalysts based on the heavier group 13 elements have been relatively underexplored in this field. However, recent studies have highlighted examples where higher activities and novel mechanistic pathways have been observed, compared to the corresponding aluminium congeners. The aim of this chapter is to inspire further research into this area, widening the current catalyst chemical space, and highlighting the potential to open new applications beyond the traditional Lewis acid catalysis paradigm. It turns out there is plenty of room at the bottom (of the group) after all.